The University of Gloucestershire is spread across three campuses in the town of Cheltenham and City of Gloucester. The university offers over 100 academic study programmes through nine schools, which are:

Art and Design

Computing and Technology

Education

Health and Social Care

Liberal and Performing Arts

Media

Natural and Social Sciences

Sport and Exercise

Business School

All campuses are well served with public transport and are close to the M5 within easy reach of Birmingham and Bristol, while London is just two hours away.

Park campus brings together students from a range of subjects and is surrounded by 24 acres of parkland and a lake.

Francis Close Hall campus helps shape the next generation of graphic designers, teachers, creative writers, criminologists, biologists and geographers. Part of Francis Close Hall campus and just a 2 minute stroll down the road, the Hardwick Centre for Art and Photography is a thriving hub of creativity dedicated to design and photography with studios, gallery, dark room and sculpture yard.

Oxstalls campus in Gloucester is one of the largest sports campus in the country and is also home to the Leisure, Events Management and Performing Arts and Drama courses.

The university is in the midst of a £90 million capital programme of investment which has contributed to new buildings and facilities including state of the art facilities in the Media Centre and a new computing and cyber security centre at Park campus in Cheltenham, and a brand new Performing Arts and Events Centre at Oxstalls campus in Gloucester.

The university is also moving ahead with plans to double the student population in Gloucester, move its Business School from Cheltenham to Oxstalls campus, build a brand new £16 million building to house the Business School and Growth Hub and substantially improve and increase sports facilities at the Oxstalls campus and adjacent Plock Court Sports Park for September 2018.

Students say:

“My overall university life has been amazing, I have enjoyed moving to a new area and meeting new people. Moving away from home I thought I would find it hard but the university have been very supportive as well as the other people I have been living with.”

The university has a 94% employment rate, with graduates finding work or going into further education within six months of leaving (DLHE 2013/14).

Your Future Plan is an initiative set up to help students achieve their goals while at the university, including organising work placements and internships in their interested field of study with local and international companies.

Students are also allocated a profile on a dedicated portal filled with information to help you find opportunities - with a team of experts available to guide you through your studies, andhelp you identify your skills, write a stand-out CV and feel interview confident.

The university also helps students find volunteering and paid part-time jobs, and put them in touch with a careers adviser to give one-to-one advice and information.

“My course includes placements within nurseries, tutors promote the use of future plan to look at job ideas and other uses of placements”

“They have a thing called 'My Future Plan' that offers internship opportunities and an employability scheme. My particular course (Advertising BA) is really good for this, as they encourage and support you in getting work experience during second and third year.”

The university has been awarded 14 National Teaching Fellowships and has a strong portfolio of lecturers with industry experience.

Many programmes include inspirational guest speakers, field trips, workshops and a number of the courses include a work placement, where you will be able to gain first-hand experience and build industry contacts. The university has a strong network, with links to Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann, NHS, Superdry, Capital Radio and Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre – to name but a few.

There is also the option to do a Fast-track degree, where you can undertake a two-year intensive programme in subjects including business and law, graduating a year earlier and saving money. Professional courses, in business, education, health and nursing offer vocational training and focus on essential career skills.

In their reviews, students praise the enthusiastic lecturers, university support and engaging course modules.

Students say:

“They are working creatives and really passionate about their subject.”

“The lecturers are so friendly and welcoming, I have been able to ask numerous questions to help settle in. The course is very fun and interesting and is explained in a lot of depth.”

“Very knowledgeable, care about students”

The Student Union is student-led, and consists of four full-time officers and 15 voluntary part-time officers. The SU aims to university fun and rewarding for students and runs a vast range of societies, groups and social events throughout the year, while striving to voice student concerns and opinions to the university.

Students have written positively about the supportive SU team as well as the events they put on throughout the year.

Students say:

“A lot of events, great facilities for us as students”

"Very good"

“Great opportunities for students throughout the year and to play sport”

The university’s halls of residence offer the best of both worlds, giving students freedom and independence, with support close at hand.

Undergraduate students are guaranteed a place in halls of residence or university-managed accommodation as long as youconfirm the University of Gloucestershire as your first choice and apply for accommodation by the published deadline in your application year.

The halls of residences are located either on campus or right in the art of the action in Cheltenham town or Gloucester City centre. The brand new Pittville Student Village in Cheltenham, a 794-bed student community which will boast landscaped gardens, ergonomic social spaces, a bar, shop, gym, Multi Use Games Area, a faith room, 24/7 onsite security, and a regular bus service that takes you right to the campus where you study.

If halls of residence are not for you, a large database of approved housing in both Cheltenham and Gloucester is available that meets strict safety standards. Many new students prefer this option as it means they can start living more independently with other students straight away.

A list of lodgings is also held enabling students to live in the same property as a landlord – a popular option for mature and international students.

Students say:

“I live in St Mary's Halls, I've got a lovely large room and opted for the halls with less people (3 per flat). I think if I were to choose again, I'd pick a place with more people, to get to know more people. However, the accommodation is so so nice and right in the centre of town (WITH A BATH!). The only thing I dislike is the fact the kitchen doesn't have a window and there is a social space.”

“Very good”

“Some conditions of facilities out of date but liveable for students”

There are over 500 computers available to use across the campuses, and free Wi-Fi. Each campus has its own library, with 24/7 access to a wide range of books, journals and databases from around the world. There are also group study areas with coffee facilities and silent research areas.

Each campus also has its own SU bar, holding regular events and balls. There are several canteens around the sites, where you can buy a selection of hot and cold snacks, and a Medical Centre is located at Park Campus.

Over at Oxstalls, you will find a brand new Performing Arts and Events Centre, complete with dance studios and teaching spaces. There is also an onsite fitness suite, sports therapy clinics, a sports hall, fitness studio and performance lab, as well as Oxstalls Sports Park.

Students say:

“Both the library and refractory within the university are so helpful and easy to use”

“All of the sports facilities are over at the Gloucester campus, which is a shame. The student bar on the FCH campus is really nice and the library has a really nice selection of books. The cafeteria also has really nice food- with Starbucks, too!”

“Labs are amazing. Pitches etc. are improving”

Gloucestershire is known for its sports, and home to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse and Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the region, such as paintballing, horse riding, skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing.

There are also over 45 cultural festivals every year, including the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cotswolds Beer Festival and Wychwood. Cheltenham and Gloucester have a large number of live music venues, bars, pubs and clubs – with plenty of student nights throughout the week to keep that student budget happy. There are also plenty of restaurants and independent cafes in both towns – perfect for relaxing in during your spare time.

For retail therapy, there are numerous shopping centres, boutiques and markets spread around the area, while Gloucester Quays is a favourite destination for discount designer brands.

Students say:

“There's a few clubs around, such as fever and Moo Moos and some VERY nice bars. You have Turtle Bay, Cosy Club, Bierkeller and loads more. You then have a few nice pubs around too. Plenty of shops around- The Promenade has loads of fancy shops and cafes. The Highstreet, has every shop and cafe you want APART from Zara. One of the nicest things about Cheltenham is the vast amounts of independent cafes.”

“Gloucester is amazing”

“Great night life, good for non-drinking activities also”

Societies range from the subject related – the Creative Writing Society, History Society and Biology Society, to hardcore fandom groups – including the Doctor Who Society and Dumbledore’s Army. Sports clubs vary from cheerleading, rowing, rugby, weightlifting, trampolining, dance and American football.

Students are encouraged to join a group, where you will meet people sharing your interests and broaden your social circle.

Students say:

“Amazing group of people across all clubs”

“Very good - great experience and social life”

“Welcoming, like joining a uni family.”

You will be provided with a personal tutor to help guide you through your studies and help with any academic queries throughout your time at the university. There is also a financial service, supporting you with any money related issues and a free counselling service, offering one-to-one sessions, group workshops, couples therapy and specialist support for house and study group conflict.

The disability, dyslexia and learning support service offers support and advice, while childcare advice is given to students with children.

Reviewers praise the dedication and support the university give them, both academically and with personal issues. The university came 10th in this category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards.

Students say:

“It is there if you seek it out and generally very good!”

“Tutors always make time plus Helpzone is always open”

“Have been really helpful”

UK: £9,250International:: Fees will vary depending on the length and nature of your degree

Care Leavers Scholarship
Up to £9,000 a year (half tuition fee waiver half bursary) is awarded to up to 15 undergraduate students who have been in care for 13 weeks or more and are under the age of 25.

Mature Student’sBursary

£1000 per year to students aged 21 or over at the start of their Undergraduate degree or foundation degree, if their household income is less than £40,000

Music Scholarship

£150 in music vouchers is awarded to talented students who have reached Grade 5 or higher playing a musical instrument orsinging. You will also receive 30 minutes tuition on a weekly basis from the University’s Director of Music to enhance your skills.

Partnership Bursary

£500 is awarded to first year undergraduate students from a Strategic Alliance College or Compact Partner institution, if their household income is less than £42,875.

Financial Assistance Fund

A fund can be given to students demonstrating financial hardship. Students are assessed depending on their personal income and requirements.

Emergency Short Term Loans

£50 for a maximum of 5 weeks can be loaned to students who desperately need money to cover rent and basic living costs and who have not yet received their first instalment of student loan.

Sports Excellence Funds
Up to £2,500 is given to up to 20 students each year (5 of which are available to disabled students), who have represented their sport at national or regional level, or who demonstrate the potential to compete at these levels.

Terms and conditions apply.

The above 2017/18 bursaries and funds are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access. For further information, refer to the funding section of the university’s website.

Media
The university’s Media School has strong links with the media industry, and holds an annual media school festival where students can network with guests - including the Head of Digital for BBC Radio 2 and Doctor Who director Alice Troughton.

Students have had work experience at outlets including The Guardian, while field trips on offer include visiting the BBC Broadcasting House and NBC New York. Graduates have gone on to work as Directors and Media Researchers.

Business

This degree offers an all expenses international travel programme, where you can go on a placement in places such as New York or Hong Kong. Graduates have gone on to work for companies such as IBM, while others have started up their own business.

Entry requirements will vary from course to course, for example to study Media Production or Business Management at the university, you will need to have achieved BBB at A level or DDM at BTEC.